I hope you like the new look at Style by Karen. My blog designer has been busy. I now have a virtual service. You may have noticed the comment box is missing. Click on “share your thoughts” and it will show at the end of the article. If you are a new subscriber, thanks for your interest and for sharing my blog with a friend.
I’ll close my series on shoes with tips to help you become a savvy shoe shopper.
I mentioned that I often pay full price for shoes because my feet are hard to fit. Since all of you are not in the same situation, I highly recommend shopping stores that carry name brands and high quality shoes for less. You will have good luck at the Nordstrom Rack and DSW. You may also want to check out Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx. Target or Payless shoes may even have options.
Watch department stores sales, and use the coupons to your advantage. Macy’s is particularly generous with coupons, and I have saved a bunch when combining a coupon with an item already on sale. If you are card holder at Macy’s the coupons arrive in your mailbox based on card use. Kohl’s is also generous to their card holders and you receive special discounts one time a month. A 30% off month provides healthy savings.
Online shoe stores are going to offer a wide range of choice in sizes, widths, color and styles. You may catch a sale if you watch frequently, especially towards the end of the season. I’ve already mentioned Zappos and Nordstrom as my favorites. There are many more. If you find a brand/style name you like and use my search technique, there will be more online stores than I can begin to name. Do your research and comparison shopping. I find the reviews helpful. You may even find E-bay is an option. Read carefully about shipping charges and return shipping. I have ordered from Zappos and had it the next day. SERIOUSLY. Returns are as easy as click/print for a FREE return label. Leave it at the UPS store—no waiting in line. I can wear the shoes from both of these stores to check out the comfort and fit and return with no questions asked. With my feet, this is a bonus!
Are prices higher for this service? I have not found it to be significant, and there is no sales tax with out of state orders. I have free shipping at Nordstrom (also comes with $200 orders) and I return to the store as it is very convenient. They will do FREE exchanges and the return label is $6 which is quite reasonable (typical of many online stores).Weigh out convenience, time, gas prices and make your choice.
One BIG advantage of online shopping is that little SEARCH box. At Zappos you can type in Narrow or Wide Widths, and even Boots: Wide Calf. I often hear from women who say they cannot zip up boots- it isn’t so with Zappos! Enjoy shopping and let me know how you do!
